San Diego — Probate’s Timeline (Decedent’s Estate) PR-195 (New: 06/23)

Source: https://sdcourt.ca.gov/sites/default/files/sdcourt/generalinformation/forms/probateforms/pr195.pdf

Probate Timeline (Decedent’s Estate) Note: This is an approximate timeline of the Probate process and is not intended to cover every scenario a personal representative may encounter. The entire process can take between 9 months to 1 ½ years, or longer. It is your responsibility to research and determine which tasks apply to your specific circumstances. For more complex estates or estates that might be challenged or contested it may be best to seek legal representation.

Within Within Accounting Petition for Close the Date of Death Before Hearing 90 Days 4 Months & Final Probate Estate
After Hearing After Hearing Distribution

Approximate Brief Description of Required Action: Deadlines:

Gather information regarding assets, heirs/beneficiaries, creditors, and determine who will be the personal After Death □ representative. □ WithinDate of30Deathdays from Ifthedecedentdecedenthadmaya Will,be administered.deliver the original(s) to the clerk of the Superior Court of the County in which the estate of Complete and file Petition for Probate (JC Form #DE-111); *Waiver of Bond by Heir or Beneficiary (JC Form #DE-111(A-3e); Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative (JC Form #DE-147); *Proof of Subscribing Petition for Probate □ Witness (JC Form #DE-131); *Proof of Holographic Instrument (JC Form #DE-135). * Forms may not be applicable. □ 3Dateweeks before Hearing SubmitBond, ifProposedapplicable.Order for Probate (JC Form #DE-140); Proposed Letters (Probate) (JC Form #DE-150); and □ WithinHearing15Datedays from Publishproofs ofandservice.serve the Notice of Petition to Administer Estate (JC Form #DE-121). File proof of publication and □ WithinHearing2 Dateweeks from ReviewResponseProbateto ProbateNotesNoteson theformcourt’s(SDSCwebsite.FormCorrect#PR-177).defects. Some defects may be corrected by clarifying on a □ Withinissuance90 ofdaysLettersfrom SendVictimsnoticeCompensationto any applicableBoard. public agencies, such as Franchise Tax Board; Department of Health Services; □ Withinissuance90 ofdaysLettersfrom Consultnecessarya licensedState andtaxFederalprofessionaltax returns.concerning duty to obtain a tax identification number from the IRS and file all □ Withinissuance4 monthsof Lettersfrom Preparefor Probate,an Inventoryfor completion& Appraisalof the valuation(JC Form of#DE-160)the estate.and send to the Probate Referee appointed on the Order □ Withinissuance4 monthsof Lettersfrom Prepareascertainableand creditorsmail Noticeof theof decedent.Administration to Creditors (JC Form #DE-157) to both known and reasonably Within 30 days of Complete and file an Allowance or Rejection of Creditor’s Claim (JC Form #DE-174), for each Creditor’s Claim receipt of Creditor’s received. □ Claim Within 1-1½ years Prepare and file a final accounting or waiver of final accounting and petition for final distribution. This may be from issuance of filed on pleading or by completing First and Final Report of Personal Representative & Petition for Final □ Letters Distribution (SDSC Form #PR-165).

Within 15 days from Serve and file the Notice of Hearing (Decedent’s Estate or Trust) (JC Form #DE-120). □ Hearing Date

□ WithinHearing2 Dateweeks from ReviewResponseProbateto ProbateNotesNoteson theformcourt’s(SDSCwebsite.FormCorrect#PR-177).defects. Some defects may be corrected by clarifying on a

After Hearing Distribute assets to heirs/beneficiaries, as approved by court, and obtain signed receipts for filing with the court. □

Within 30 days after Complete and file the Ex Parte Petition for Final Discharge and Order (JC Form #DE-295). □ Hearing

SDSC PR-195 (New 6/23) PROBATE TIMELINE Page 1 of 1 Informational Form (DECEDENT’S ESTATE)